Sales & Shopping

July 5, 2007

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Object Lesson

The Dark Side

Colab makes sure it's always 105 in the shade. By Micki Bloom

Today's blinding assortment of sunglasses could make anyone want to shield their eyes from the excess. Thankfully, we've discovered a pair by Colab Eyewear that warrants not just a second glance, but a whole summer's worth. Touted as an 'anti-brand' by co-owner and director Peter Smith, Colab brings together a changing roster of artists to produce sunglasses that break all the rules of traditional shades. Radiating cool right down to the custom-designed packaging, the colab-oration with individual designers results in a notable line of eyewear that is quirky, fun and a bit anarchistic—much like the artists that create it.

Our pick by Melbourne-based designers Perks & Mini (P.A.M) echo its evolution from young graffiti artists right on over to fashion designers. Seriously sleek, but with a sly sense of humor, the Holey design's black acetate frames boast tiny perforations and are equipped with removable dotted lens stickers—a plus if seeing spots isn't necessarily your thing. It's the details that make this pair so special (the hidden inscriptions, 'Holy Mountain! Holy Shit!' is an inside joke that you may want to keep to yourself). Even better, there's an added bonus for the trend-averse: With only 1,000 pairs available, you won't be spotting these on just anyone.

Colab/Perks & Mini Holey sunglasses, $210, available at Ubiq, East Byberry Road, Philadelphia; 215-988-0194. For more information, go to www.colab.com.au.

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